Rest in Peace, Biz Markie.

His influence on pop and hip-hop will live on forever

Apr 2, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks assistant general manager Alan Houston (left) and recording artist Biz Markie pose for a photo before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

An influencial voice in hip-hop music and culture has passed on, as Biz Markie died earlier today at the age of 57. After health complications from diabetes and a reported stroke left him in ill health about a year ago, and his health was in decline since.

Not only did Biz perform one of the biggest early hip-hop songs of the ’80s, “Just A Friend,” but he continued his work on MTV2, in “Men In Black II,” and even on “Yo Gabba Gabba.” (Parents, IYKYK!)

To Biz’ family and friends, we’re thinking of you and celebrating his life and legacy tonight and this weekend on Throwback Nation Radio. And in Heaven, he’s out of the friend zone… and that other guy IS out of the way.

Rest in Peace, Biz.